I was encouraged by the results of Alexandros Lordos’ recent surveys of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots regarding the terms of a future revised peace plan. These surveys show that changes can be made to the UN plan which would render it acceptable to the Greek Cypriot community, and no less so to the Turkish Cypriot community, in respect of key contentious issues such as security arrangements, property rights and dealing with settlers.

I would like to suggest the following way forward:

• A small working party of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots is assembled to draft the necessary changes to the UN plan indicated by the findings of Mr Lordos’ surveys.

• The revised plan, with a clear summary of its key provisions and of the changes from the previous plan, is tested in further surveys of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to establish its acceptability.

• As necessary, additional modifications are made to reflect feedback, until the revised plan is confirmed as acceptable in surveys of both communities.

• Endorsement of the revised plan is sought from the government of the Republic of Cyprus and ideally the Turkish Cypriot administration, before going back to the UN and finally to the electorates of both communities.

This approach would represent a ‘bottom up’ approach whereby the Cypriot people would have shaped the settlement (albeit starting from the basis of the original UN plan), as opposed to the failed ‘top down’ approach whereby the Cypriot people had a plan thrust upon them on the eve of EU accession.[/b]

You might like to know that this particular online forum greatly helped me to formulate the specific questions, which were then tested with the public.

Your suggestion - that the survey results should be used as the basis of a bottom up approach to draft a revised plan - is something I have been hearing from many different people in recent weeks.

The trick in making something like this work, IMO, is to have the leaderships of the two communities also "tacitly" involved, alongside the civil society representatives who will form the "drafting committee". This involvement ideally should precede the drafting of the plan, not just be an acknowledgement that is retrospectively sought. This way, there is a higher probability that those who ultimately make the decisions will actually pay attention to this "revised plan" and consider it seriously.

At the moment, I feel that the gap between the two communities is too wide to start speaking about a "revised plan". Something must first happen to restore at least a measure of confidence between the two sides before a "civil society drafting committee" goes ahead to draft a new plan and test it with the public.

Thank you Mr Lordos and I congratulate you on your positive survey initiatives - and also the Forum for having informed your approach.

It's clear that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration now understand that some movement simply has to be made in relation to Cyprus to ensure Turkey's EU accession isn't derailed. It's clear also that the RoC must now be seen to be making pragmatic proposals to rectify the UN settlement plan as the international community refocuses its attentions on Cyprus in 2006.

It seems to me that now would be a good time to try and move forward on this 'bottom up' approach. Perhaps the UN/EU/both could endorse/finance such an initiative (I know both TC and GC people that are keen on the idea) and encourage/embarrass the politicians on both sides to give it their blessing. After all, how can anyone object to an initiative that enables the Cypriot people to come together to solve the Cyprus problem - free from outside interference? It also lets them off the hook, as difficult compromises will have to be made.

If the gap in Cyprus between the two communities is still too great perhaps preparatory work could start, say, in the UK or Australia, where the TC and GC communities enjoy closer contact and a better understanding. This could help restore confidence before work continues, in earnest, on the island.

Sounds good in theory. However I don't think in reality there is such think as "Bottom up". The masses of the people can at best, in democratic societies, accept or reject something, or choose one among several options. Even revolutions could not be made without leadership.

In Cyprus (in the areas that are controlled by the Republic of Cyprus at least) there is democracy and wide range of options are available to the public. Therefore I don't see why we should have some other group of leaders (chosen by whom?) that will negotiate the plan, and not the leadership that is democratically elected by the people.

If some people believe that the current leadership is not capable of negotiating in the correct way then they could challenge it in the elections. However I am afraid this would be just a case of "apon apoxo tou horou xeri polla traouthkia" (who is not in the dance knows many songs)

The above is for RoC controlled areas. In the occupied areas your proposal could have a lot more value since as we know a lot of settlers vote there and therefore Talad etc are not true TC representatives. A true TC leadership without the influence of the settlers and the control of the the Turkish army would be more than welcomed. Unfortunately I don't see Turkey allowing this to happen.

the first is the absence of the voice of reunification in the press. the intellectual community in favor of peace should become more active in that direction.

the second is the absence of organization. there are a number of people in small bicommunal organizations, but they are hier and there and usually are strugling alone. these people should some how start coming together and make their presence more loud, more coherent and more effective.
cheers.

for all the people who get the alcohol related reference im about to make...

I agree with the Bottom's Up approach for sure!!!

A fine purveyor of wine, beers and spirits and surely the best way to get everyone to be friends!!

GET PISSED!!! yeah.

I do not agree with Bazookies though. Highly destructive affairs, often resulting in the annhiliation of tanks and large platoons of men of men if fired at a grouping or a trench (or fox hole). Harsh indeed, though not as widespread as the Ak-47.

Piratis
You're right of course that in a democracy the elected leaders should decide for the people - and lead - but unfortunately nowhere near enough leadership is being shown - or perhaps can be shown - with regards to making progress towards a win-win solution.

From what I can gather, there is perceived political mileage on both sides in being seen to be tough and portraying always a 'them' verses 'us' situation; too much points scoring off each other for internal consumption and to try and win favour internationally. None of which, of course, is getting us anywhere. This is especially frustrating now when people with vision can see that there is, at last, a real chance for progress.

There are those, of course, who say that the political elite in Cyprus - certainly in the south - really would rather maintain the status quo - as a change in the situation puts at risk their positions of power. And this is certainly true of the military in Turkey. Problem is, the status quo is no longer tenable.

Cypezokyli points out that the media and the intellectual community needs to do more - but they are part of this elite. And small bi-communal organisations are struggling because they are undermined by this elite.

That's why I believe the initiative must be supported by the EU/UN (they could provide all the wine to lubricate proceedings) and that, if necessary, momentum could be built up, perhaps, by Cypriots outside the island. Who would chose the drafters of the new plan? I'm not sure, perhaps the EU/UN again. The criteria? Anyone genuinely committed to bringing about a solution could put their name forward. Perhaps people from this Forum. (All previous posts would be taken into consideration).

And Bottoms Up to you too, pumpernickle! I think I'll join you for one, now.

imo, there are some intellectualls , also in the uni of cyprus, but they are not active. and the nenekoi politicians are scared to death bc of the elections.

i believe its better to do it from inside. the problem is that these guys have a disease from any help from outside. as soon as the EU or the UN gives help they will go for another round of accusing everyone as getting money from the americans. you might say what do the americans have to do with the EU? good question, but being while around...i wouldnt be surprised..